winload.exe...status: OxcOOOOOOf

[archie1]

cannot boot into windows...windows boot manager informs me the file \windows\system\32\winload.exe is missing or corrupt, status: OxcOOOOOOf...i've inserted os disc and changed the first boot to cd but it will not read it and takes me back to boot manager.

[DavidPK]

@archie1

Rather than setting the boot priority in the Bios Menu ( f10 ), try the following method of booting from your OS disk.

Start the notebook, insert the Windows Vista installation disc and then Shutdown the notebook.

Tap away at the esc key as soon as you press the power button to enter the Start-up Menu and then select the Boot Options Menu ( f9 ).

Use the arrow keys to highlight the CDROM option and hit enter - if prompted to 'Press any key to continue....' - do so.

Regards,

DP-K

[archie1]

Thanks for your response Dave....followed your instructions but it defaults to boot manager each time, having pressed enter it asks to choose an os, pressed enter again, it then returns to boot manager.

[DavidPK]

Hi,

You're welcome

Just to rule out any possible issue with the optical drive itself, have you tried booting the notebook from any other bootable disc just to see if it's recognised Ok?

Regards,

DP-K

[archie1]

tried the drive in another laptop...result was...default boot device missing or boot failed

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Just so that I'm certain, do you mean you tried the Hard Drive in another notebook?

Also, there should be a basic test you can perform on the HDD from the Bios Menu as follows

Shut down the notebook.  Tap away at the esc key as you start the notebook to enter the Start-up Menu.  Select the Bios option ( f10 ) and under the Advanced or Diagnostic tab you should find the facility to run a test on both the Hard Drive.

Let me know the result, including any error code ( this will usually be in the form 301, 303, 305 ).

Regards,

DP-K

[archie1]

Hi Dave

I did try the hhd in another notebook...ran the test as you suggested...it failed on the long test at 21%...no error codes.

Alan

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi Alan,

It would look like the HDD has failed ( the comprehensive test often won't complete in this case ) and this is consistent with the winload.exe error.

If you have any question regarding replacing the drive, or want the Maintenance & Service Guide, please let me know - include the full Model No. and Product No. of your cq61 series notebook - see Here for a further explanation.

Regards,

DP-K

[archie1]

Hi Dave

Thanks for all your help, it's half the battle when you know where the problem lies.

Alan

[DavidPK]

Hi Alan,

You're more than welcome

All the best,

DP-K